Subterranean structure



June 12, 1962 J. K. BRUCE 3,038,

SUBTERRANEAN STRUCTURE Original Filed Nov. 15, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 1INVFJVTOR. JQHN K BRUCE WIMLJM ATTORNEYS June 12, 1962 J. K. BRUCE3,033,555

SUBTERRANEAN STRUCTURE Original Filed Nov. 15, 1955 4 Sheecs-Sheet 2FIG. 4.

, INVEN TOR. JQHN K. RRUCE FIG. 2.

June 12, 1962 J. K. BRUCE 3,0

SUBTERRANEAN STRUCTURE Original Filed Nov. 15, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 3INVEN TOR. JOHN K. BRUCE ATTORNEYS- June 12, 1962 J. K. BRUCESUBTERRANEAN STRUCTURE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed Nov. 15, 1955 NRR INVENTOR. JOH/V K BRUCE A TI'ORNEVS 3 Claims. (Cl. 189-1) Theinvention relates to subterranean structures and more particularly tosuch structures adaptable for human habitation for periods of shortduration, and is a division of my co-pending application, Serial No.546,945, filed November 15, 1955, now abandoned.

Recent and continuing international tensions have made some form ofshelter against air attacks advisable for each family in large centersof population. Many forms of shelters both above and under ground havebeen developed. Most are adequate as shelters against the various formsof air attacks. However, few, if any, of these shelters are economicallyfeasible to most families. The possibility of any return for theinvestment necessary to build an adequate conventional shelter is tooremote.

The subterranean structure of the invention provides a shelter againstair attacks and in addition provides a chamber usable as an extra roomfor the family. The structures every-day utility makes it economicallymore attractive. The invention contemplates a subterranean structurewhich comprises a habitable chamber and a vertical cylinder having anupper opening, the cylinder being connected to the chamber so that itextends from adjacent the bottom of the chamber to a point above thechamber. A closure is provided for the upper opening of the cylinder andthere is means of access through the cylinder between the upper openingand the chamber.

Civil Defense authorities recommend that at least three feet of earthcover any structure being used as a shelter to absorb atomic radiation.Therefore, it is preferred that the structure of the invention be buriedso that at least three feet of soil covers the top of the habitablechamber. The vertical cylinder protrudes sufficiently above the top ofthe buried chamber to give access from the outside. A spiral stair casewithin the cylinder makes access easy.

Sustained periods of habitation within the chamber -make preferable aventilating system. Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the inventionincludes means for discharging pure air into the chamber. This may bedone by means of a conventional blower provided at its intake side withan air filter.

Air exit is provided for by the closure for the upper opening of thevertical cylinder. The closure is rainproof but air permeable. Theclosure includes an annular ring having overlapping sectors movablewithin it and under a fixed sector integral with the rim. The closure isfixed to the rim by means accessible from Within the cylinder.

Burial of the habitable chamber of the invention introduces structuralloading problems because of the weight of the protective soil coveringthe chamber.

Therefore it is preferable to brace the chamber externally. Externalbracing is advantageous in that it leaves the entire volume of thechamber as usable space. It is preferred that the chamber be ofmonocoque construction, since shell-like structures are very resistantto compressive forces. Such construction is achieved by using an archedmember to which ends and bottom are welded in continuous waterproofwelds.

Varying soil conditions make it advisable to provide a concrete base tosupport the chamber and the cylinder 3,@3$,565 Patented June 12, 1962within the earth. By pouring a monolithic concrete slab which extendsabove the joint of the bottom wall of the structure with the variousside walls of the structure, that part of the compressive load whichtends to distend the side walls outwardly can be counterbalanced. Theweight of the slab also resists upward ground Water pressures.

Bunks are suspended from the side walls of the chamber for peopleseeking shelter. The bunks are suspended from the side walls so thatstorage space is left beneath them for supplies essential to habitationfor three or four days.

The spartan aspects of the structure as a mere shelter may be relievedby artistic treatment of the interior. Judicious use of color or evenwallpaper can make the chamber pleasant.

The structure of the invention may be used as an extra room for thefamily. It may be located near the swimming pool for use as a room forchanging clothes. Only the closure is visible above the ground, so thestructure does not interfere With the utility of the space immediatelysurrounding it. Because it is subterranean and therefore cool, andequipped with air circulation means, the structure may be used as atemporary retreat during hot weather which may make the usual habitationinsufferable. The sound absorbency of the surrounding earth makes thestructure ideal as a playroom for the youthful portion of the family.

Many other uses for the room the structure provides will occur to thosehandicapped by inadequate normal living space.

Other advantages and details of the structure of the invention areapparent in the following detailed specification and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan View of a preferred embodiment of "the subterraneanstructure of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional elevation of the preferred embodiment of theinvention taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and illustrated within anexcavation;

FIG. 3 is an elevation, partly in section, of the structure of FIG. 2after the foundation has been poured;

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation taken along line 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan View, partly broken away, of the closed closure of thepreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along line 66 of FIG.5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the closure of FIG. 5 illustrated in the openposition;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along broken line 88of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken along line 9-9 of FIG.7.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a habitable metallic chamber 11 isconnected by a short corridor 12 to a metallic vertical cylinder 13. Thecylinder extends from the bottom of the chamber to a few inches abovethe ground level 14. As may be best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the chamberhas an arched roof 16 that is integral with vertical sides 17 and 18. Aplanar end wall 19 is continuous welded to the arched roof and the sidewalls. A second planar end wall 20 is welded to the roof and side wallsat the end of the chamber adjacent the corridor. The second end wall hasa rectangular doorway 21 opening from the chamber into the corridor.

A continuous bottom wall 22 supports the components of the chamber, thecorridor and the vertical cylinder. The bottom wall is fixed to theabove mentioned components in waterproof fashion such as by continuouswelding.

A vertical pole 24, co-axial with the cylinder supports a spiralstairway 25. The stairway extends from the upper opening of the cylinderand spirals downwardly around the pole to a last step A located adjacentthe joining of the corridor and the vertical cylinder.

A tangential extension 27 of a portion of the cylinder wall extendsbetween the cylinder and the chamber forming one side of corridor 12. Anarrow, vertical Wall 28 seals the opposite side of the corridor. Aceiling piece 29 is welded to the corridor walls, the side of thecylinder and the second end wall of the chamber.

Internal space in the chamber proper is preserved by using a system ofexternal braces to augment the strength of the monocoque structure. Acentral brace 31 of angle iron is fixed, as by welding, to the outersurface of the integral arch top and side walls. It extends from thebottom of one side Wall across the arched top and down to the bottom ofthe other side wall. The central brace follows the contour of the sidewalls and arched roof throughout its length. Two intermediate braces 32,33 are fixed to the outer surface of the chamber, one midway between thecentral brace and each end wall. The intermediate braces have arectangular outer configuration and are cut out to fit the configurationof the chamber. Rigidifying strips 34, 35 and 36 are fixed to eachintermediate brace at its top and on its sides respectively.

Two vertical braces 38, 39 are fastened externally to first end wall 19.The braces are T-shaped in cross section with the base of the T beingwelded to the first end wall. Corridor walls 27, 28 brace the second endwall. Transverse braces 40, 41 and 42 are fixed to the external surfaceof the bottom wall of the chamber and combine with longitudinal externalbraces 43, 44 to rigidify the bottom of the chamber.

The transverse braces rest upon six blocks such as the cement blocks 45shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 seated on the level bottom of an excavation 47.The blocks serve as spacers which gage the thickness of a concretefoundation 48 which becomes the permanent support for the structure.

FIG. 2 illustrates the structure in the excavation and resting upon thecement blocks. The excavation is proportioned so that the structure,when resting on the blocks, leaves an interval of three feet or morebetween the upper ground level and the roof of the chamber. A space offrom four to six inches is desirable between the side reinforcing strips35, 36 of the intermediate brace and side walls 49, 50 of theexcavation.

When the concrete for the structure foundation is poured, the concreteflows under the structure and up around the walls of the chamber and thevertical cylinder. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the foundation hasan integral rim 51 in contact with the vertical surfaces of thestructure to a height of six to eight inches above the bottom of thestructure. This rim or collar resists the distending resultant of thecompressive load imposed by the earth above the arched roof of thechamber.

FIG. 4 illustrates the habitable chamber 11 equipped with four canvasbunks 53 pivotally mounted two on each side wall of the chamber. Thereis an upper and a lower bunk on eah cside wall. The bunks extend fromthe second end wall to a point short of the first end wall. Each bunk issupported by a catch 55 pivotally mounted to the second end wall and bya strap 56 pivotally mounted to the side wall. Each bunk may be swungback flat against the side wall of the chamber so that the floor area isclear. Either upper bunk may be swung against the wall so that the lowerbunk can he used as a seat.

Shelves or chair may be set in the space between the ends of the bunksand the first end wall.

Structures have been built in which the clear floor space measures 5 /2by 8 long. The extreme height of the arched roof is 6'4. Thesedimensions allow for adequate head clearance and make the chamber roomyenough for many uses.

A chamber of this size does not have a large volume of air. Means forreplenishing the fresh air in the chamber add much to the chamberslivability, therefore the preferred embodiment of the invention has ablower 60 (see PEG. I) mounted to corridor wall 27 just below corridorceiling 29. The blower outlet discharges toward and into the chamberthrough the rectangular opening 21. An outlet pipe 61 extends throughthe corridor wall and bends upwardly for a distance sufficient to bringthe pipe above ground level. The blower is mounted in the structureprior to filling soil around the structure so that the inlet pipe isprotected through most of its length by the soil covering. If desired,an air filter 62 may be added to the inlet pipe to insure a supply ofsafe air.

A continuous supply of fresh air is thus added to the chamber. Thereforemeans must be provided to discharge spent air. Such means are embodiedin a closure assembly 65 mounted at the upper opening of the verticalcylinder. The closure is air permeable and also rainproof.

The upper end of the vertical cylinder protrudes above the ground levela suflicient distance, say five or six inches, to preclude the entry ofcasual ground water. The unique construction of the closure assemblyprevents rain from penetrating into the cylinder or the chamber.

The closure assembly includes an annular ring 67 whose diameter exceedsthat of the vertical cylinder. A plurality of equally spaced spokes 68extend outwardly from the upper portion of the cylinder and support theannular ring away from the upper opening of the cylinder. Each spoke hasa plurality of cylindrical rollers 69 mounted to that portion of itsshank extending between the cylinder and the annular ring. The functionof the rollers will be explained later. A flange 70 extends inwardlyfrom the top of the annular ring to form a horizontal rim which coversthe space between the annular ring and the cylinder opening. A fixedsector 71 is an integral part of the flange and covers approximatelyone-quarter of the area bounded by the horizontal flange. Each radialedge of the fixed sector has a downwardly depending flange. As viewed inFIG. 8, a narrow flange 73 extends along the left radial edge of thefixed sector and a wide flange 74 extends along the right radial edge ofthe sector. The fixed sector is drilled adjacent its apex to receive apivot bolt 75 which extends downwardly and is threaded into a plug 76 inthe top of the vertical post 24. The plug is held in place within thepost by a bolt 77.

The closure is secured to the cylinder by fastenings that are allaccessible from within the cylinder. Bolt 77 may be unfastened so thatthe plug pulls out of the vertical post and the spokes that support therim have nuts 79 that are reached from inside the cylinder. (See FIG.9). The entire closure may be lifted from within the cylinder shouldnormal operation of the closure be precluded by debris or blast damage.

Pivoted about the bolt 75 are three overlapping sectors. Each sectorcovers approximately one-quarter of the area defined by the horizontalflange of the closure. Each sector is made from a rigid material such assheet steel and drilled near its apex to fit around pivot bolt 75. Afirst movable sector 80 has a downwardly depending flange 81 at itscircumferential edge. The flange rests upon a number of the outer bankof rollers 69 journalled on the spokes. A second movable sector 82 has asimilar downwardly depending flange 83 supported on the intermediatebank of rollers. A bottom movable sector 84 has a short flange 85 at itscircumterential edge which rides on the innermost of the rollersournalled on the spokes. The first, second and bottom movable sectorshave annular, hollow rings 87, 88, 89 respectively fixed co-axiallyabout a drilled hole near the apex of each sector. The hollow, annularrings proect upwardly and space the sectors along the length of the bolt75. A friction Washer is interposed between each hollow, annular ringand the sector adjacent it.

Each of the first and second movable sectors has an upwardly extendingflange 90, 91 respectively and a downwardly depending flange 92, 93respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the closure assembly is shown with the sectorspositioned to close the upper opening of the cylinder. The sectors alloverlap each other so that there is no opening visible in the plan view.Rainfall striking the closure assembly will tend to run ed the fixedsector and the first and second movable sectors onto the bottom movablesector. This runofi" is guided outward ly toward thecircumference of thesector by upwardly turned flanges 95, 96 extending along the radialedges of the bottom sector. Water is prevented from flowing past theapex of the bottom sector by the annular ring 89. The only dischargepath for the water is outwardly over the circumferential edge of thebottom sector. Since this edge extends outwardly beyond the upper edgeof the vertical cylinder, all rainfall contacting the closure assemblyruns off onto the ground surrounding the closure.

The bottom movable sector has a handle 96 extending from the radial edgealong which flange 96 extends to facilitate closing the sectors onemerging from the shelter (see FIG. 7). A downwardly depending handle 99is mounted to the underside of the bottom sector adjacent to theopposite radial edge, i.e. that edge along which flange 95 extends, formoving the sectors from a position on the stairway.

In the closed position, upper handle 98 extends under and beyond flange74 of the fixed sector. The closure assembly is designed so that aperson standing on the fixed sector may reach down and push the bottomsector away from the fixed sector .and commence the opening of theclosure to gain access to the spiral stairway in the vertical cylinder.The first upper step of the staircase is located directly below thebottom sector in its closed position, thus one can step directly fromthe fixed sector onto the first step. When the bottom sector hastravelled approximately 90 in its circular pathway around the pivot bolt75, a hand may be placed against the downwardly depending flange 93 ofthe second movable sector. Continuing pushing of the two sectors rotatesboth the bottom and second movable sectors about their pivot as thesectors are opened and descent of the spiral staircase can begin.Further movement of the bottom and second sectors brings the hand intocontact with the downwardly depending flange 92 of the first movablesector. At this point bottom and second sectors are almost completelyoverlapped by the first movable sector. Further movement of the bottomsector pushes all three movable sectors beneath the fixed sector. Motionof the movable sectors in the opened direction (clockwise as viewed inFIG. 5) is stopped by the downwardly depending flange 74 of the fixedsector. FIG. 7 illustrates the position of the movable sectors justprior to the striking of the flange of the fixed sector. In the positionof FIG. 7, nearly three-quarters of the area of the closure is open.Since the diameter of the opening is approximately 3 /2, ample room isprovided for entry into the vertical cylinder.

Short stop bars ltll, 192 extend perpendicularly along the upper surfaceof the first and second sectors respectively from the respectiveupwardly turned flanges of those sectors. A short stop bar 106 extendsalong the surface of the bottom sector from upwardly extending flange96. When the bottom sector is moved counterclockwise (FIG. 5), thesecond movable sector remains stationary until stop bar we contacts adownwardly depending fiange 93 of the second sector. At this pointfurther movement of the bottom sector rotates movable sector 82counter-clockwise until stop bar 102 contacts downwardly dependingflange 92 of movable sector 80. As the bottom sector continues to close,it pulls behind it movable sectors 80 and 82 until stop bar 1 attachedto the first movable sector contacts downwardly depending flange 73 ofthe fixed sector.

The length of the stop bars is such that an appreciable overlap ismaintained between the adjacent edges of adjacent sectors. This overlapis illustrated in the fragmentary sectional elevation of FIG. 6 in whichthe amount of overlap of sector 30 with respect to sector 82 iscontrolled by the spacing between their respective flanges 92 and 91imposed by the length of stop bar 102.

The :lower handle 99 is placed near the trailing edge of the bottomsector so that it may be conveniently reached from a position on thelower steps of the spiral staircase.

The unique closure described above contributes to the livability of thehabitable chamber by virtue of its imperviousness to water fromrainfall, sprinklers and hoses. Its air permeability allows aircirculation through the structure of the invention, thereby increasingthe period during which the shelter may be occupied. Because it.

permits the use of a spiral staircase, a smaller access is possiblebetween the ground level and the chamber. A smaller portion of the areaabove the structure is therefore rendered unusable.

The fabrication of the habitable chamber, utilizing external bracing towithstand the stresses'imposed upon a subterranean structure permits theuse of the entire volume of the chamber as living quarters. Manyinterior arrangements may be used to accommodate the various uses towhich the subterranean structure of the invention may be put. Thearrangements illustrated in the foregoing disclosure are illustratedonly, the scope of the invention encompassing many such arrangements.

I claim:

1. A closure for a vertical tube containing a centrally located verticalpost, the closure comprising an annular ring capped by a horizontalflange extending radially inwardly from the ring, the inside peripheralsurface of the ring being spaced radially outwardly from the outsidesurface of the tube and said ring being supported on the tube by aplurality of spokes projecting radially outwardly from the tube, wherebya ring-like space is defined between the ring and the tube, a fixedsector integral with the flange exetending radially inwardly from thering and supported adjacent its apex by the vertical post, a pluralityof movable sectors each having one upwardly and one downwardly turnedradial edge extending from an upright hub located near the apex to therespective sector to the circumferential edge of such sector, a movablebottom sector having two upwardly turned radial edges extending from anupright hub located near the apex of the sector to the circumferentialedge of such sector, rollers on the spokes, downwardly dependingcircumferential flanges on each of the movable sectors supported on therollers, and a downwardly depending circumferential flange on the bottomsector supported on the rollers, the movable and bottom sectors beingpivotally mounted on the vertical post to extend radially of the tubeoutwardly toward the ring and being disposed beneath and adjacent to thefixed sector so that the upwardly turned radial flanges of the movablesectors and of the bottom sector meet the downwardly turned radialflanges of the movable sectors when the sectors are pivoted.

2. A closure for a vertical tube comprising a centrally located postwithin the tube, an annular rim spaced radially outwardly from the upperend of the cylinder, a plurality of spokes extending radially outwardlyfrom the cylinder wall and supporting the annular rim, a primary sectorsupported near its apex by the post in the cylinder and at its base bythe annular rim, a plurality of secondary sectors pi-votally mountedadjacent their apices to the post adjacent the primary sector andextending radially of the tube outwardly toward the rim, the outerportion of each of said secondary sectors being movably supported on thespokes, and means for moving the secondary sectors arcuately to closethe space between the primary sector and the rim.

3. A closure for a tube comprising an annular ring, a horizontal flangeon the ring extending radially inwardly from the ring, said ring beingspaced radially outwardly from the tube, a plurality of spokesprojecting radially outwardly from the tube and supporting the ring, afixed sector supported by the annular ring at least one movable sector,an upright hub near the apex of the movable sector, the movable sectorhaving one upwardly and one downwardly turned radial edge extendingoutwardly from the upright hub, a bottom movable sector, an upright hubnear the apex of the bottom sector, said bottom sector having twoupwardly turned radial edges extending from the upright hub, downwardlydepending circum- 1 ferential flanges on each of the movable and thebottom sectors supported on the spokes, the movable and bottom sectorsbeing pivotally mounted beneath and adjacent to the apex of the fixedsector so that the upwardly turned radial flanges of the movable sectorsand the bottom sector meet the downwardly turned radial flanges of themovable sectors when the sectors are pivoted.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS384,376 McMullin June 12, 1888 745,964 Koslopsky Dec. 1, 1903 1,039,255Clarke Sept. 24, 1912 1,060,187 Hormel Apr. 29, 1913 FOREIGN PATENTS513,468 Great Britain Oct. 13, 1939

